Vinay Rustagi, managing director of consultancy firm Bridge to India, told PV Tech: “This is a challenging site – relative lower irradiation, forest land, difficult access – and has high solar park charges. There was limited bidding interest and it is therefore surprising to see tariffs on the aggressive side, all factors considered. “

The capacity has been split into five projects of 50MW each, with plants to be set up on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis. Power procured by SECI from the projects will be sold to the State Discom Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Limited (MSEDCL).

India’s auction activity has picked up slightly in recent days, with 750MW also awarded in two separate auctions in the state of Gujarat.

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL)’s 500MW auction at the Raghanesda Solar Park saw French power giant Engie grab 200MW, with two local state-run firms and Tata Power picking up the remaining 300MW. Tariffs ranged between 2.65-2.70 rupees.

Later, GUVNL’s 1GW auction at the Dholera Solar Park saw just 250MW awarded to Tata Power and local state-run firm GIPCL, with tariffs remaining at the ceiling price of 2.75 rupees per unit.

Rustagi has previously said that there is a disappointing trend in India solar at present of low interest in various tenders.